This talk will start with a brief non-technical summary of some of the more spectacular Nepenthes of the Philippines, specifically those species found on the islands of Southern Luzon, Mindanao and the Visayas. We will then focus on the findings of several expeditions to these areas. The original aim of these expeditions was to attempt rediscovery of some ‘lost’ species of Nepenthes, but the weary travellers ended up stumbling across some possible new species along the way.

We start our travels on the island of Mindanao, home to probably the largest species in the genus, Nepenthes merrilliana and also probably the smallest species, Nepenthes bellii. In addition, we will discover some of the hidden treasures of the little-explored mountain areas of Central and East Mindanao, which include the extremely rare and beautiful jet-black form of Nepenthes. truncata and the amazingly hairy, blood-red Nepenthes petiolata. Moving southwards, we shall then re-trace the footsteps of some of the early 20^th century botanists to the volcanic slopes of Mt. Apo, in an attempt to re-discover a species formally named Nepenthes copelandii. Should this species, which is currently sunk in Nepenthes alata, perhaps be resurrected?

Our trip back to Manila will include a brief visit to the dangerously active Mt. Mayon Volcano in South Luzon, perhaps we will find something interesting on its steamy, crumbling slopes?

Jeepneys, motorbikes, outriggers and finally an ancient ferry "Mary the Queen" will bring us to our final destination, the picturesque Sibuyan Island in the Visayas. The almost totally unexplored jungle slopes and rugged peaks of Mt. Guiting-Guiting nurture many fantastic plants and creatures, notably metallic blue ants and earthworms. To carnivorous plant enthusiasts, Sibuyan is famous as the home of the recently discovered Nepenthes sibuyanensis and the hardy little Nepenthes argenti, which is both rare and exceptionally beautiful.

Lots and lots of slides to try to keep everyone awake!

Nepenthes species to be discussed include:

Nepenthes alata

Nepenthes argentii

Nepenthes bellii

‘Nepenthes copelandii’

Nepenthes merrilliana

Nepenthes mirabilis          

Nepenthes sibuyanensis

Nepenthes sp. (Mt. Guiting-Guiting)   

Nepenthes sp. (Mt. Legaspi)

Nepenthes truncata

Nepenthes ventricosa